French Si Clauses: If I do, I will (Present + Future)
Si + Present with the Future tense to talk about real possibilities and future plans confidently.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use the present tense after 'si' and the future tense in the main clause to describe likely future outcomes.
- The 'si' clause uses the present tense: Si tu viens (If you come).
- The main clause uses the future tense: nous mangerons (we will eat).
- The order can be reversed: Nous mangerons si tu viens.
Overview
French Si clauses, specifically the Présent + Futur Simple construction, are fundamental for expressing a direct cause-and-effect relationship between a plausible present condition and a highly probable future outcome. This structure does not delve into hypothetical or unreal scenarios; instead, it outlines what will happen if a specific condition is met or is true. It equips learners at the B1 CEFR level to articulate plans, make realistic predictions, offer promises, or issue clear warnings in everyday French.
Understanding this linguistic tool is paramount for practical, forward-looking communication, allowing you to move beyond simple statements to nuanced conditional expressions. The core function of this Si clause type is to answer the implicit question: "Given a present circumstance or action, what is the expected, likely future consequence?" For instance, Si tu travailles bien, tu réussiras. (If you work well, you will succeed.) establishes a direct, probable link between current effort and future achievement. This precise linguistic mechanism is indispensable for expressing intentions, agreements, and anticipated reactions in a clear and unambiguous manner, reflecting a logical progression of events in the real world.
How This Grammar Works
Si clause that establishes the condition, and a main clause that declares the resulting consequence. The defining characteristic is the specific pairing of verb tenses: the Si clause invariably employs the présent de l'indicatif (present indicative), while the main clause always uses the futur simple (simple future). This tense combination is not arbitrary; it linguistically encodes the probability and directness of the cause-and-effect.présent de l'indicatif in the Si clause (Si j'ai le temps) signals a condition that is either currently true or considered highly likely to become true in the near future. Unlike English, which sometimes uses the future tense in "if" clauses for emphasis ("If I will have time"), French strictly maintains the present tense here to reflect the immediacy or potential reality of the condition. The futur simple in the main clause (je t'appellerai) then expresses the consequence that is projected to occur as a direct result of this condition being met.Je t'appellerai si j'ai le temps carries the same meaning as Si j'ai le temps, je t'appellerai. However, when the Si clause initiates the sentence, it is typically followed by a comma (,) to delineate the two propositions.Si clause, no comma is generally necessary. This structural flexibility allows for subtle shifts in emphasis, but the core tense pairing remains unchangeable.Formation Pattern
Si clauses adheres to a fixed and predictable pattern, crucial for accurately expressing conditional future events. The primary formula is:
Si + Subject + Verb (Présent de l'Indicatif) + (complement), Subject + Verb (Futur Simple) + (complement)
Futur Simple) + (complement) + si + Subject + Verb (Présent de l'Indicatif) + (complement)
Si before il or ils. Si il always contracts to s'il, and Si ils becomes s'ils. This contraction is mandatory in both spoken and written French to ensure smoother pronunciation by avoiding the awkward repetition of the 'i' sound (s-ee-il). However, it is essential to note that Si does not contract before elle, elles, on, or any other vowel-initial word or pronoun. For example, Si elle vient is correct, not s'elle vient. This specific elision for il/ils underscores a broader French phonetic tendency to simplify transitions between certain sounds.
Si + Présent | Si tu travailles | If you work |
Futur Simple | tu réussiras | you will succeed |
Si tu travailles, tu réussiras. | If you work, you will succeed. |
Nous irons si tu viens. | We will go if you come. |
Conjugation Table
| Subject Pronoun | Parler (to speak) |
Finir (to finish) |
Vendre (to sell) |
Être (to be) |
Avoir (to have) |
Aller (to go) |
Faire (to do/make) |
Venir (to come) |
Savoir (to know) |
Pouvoir (to be able) |
Voir (to see) |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| :-------------- | :------------------ | :----------------- | :---------------- | :-------------- | :--------------- | :------------- | :----------------- | :----------------- | :----------------- | :-------------------- | :------------- | ||
| Je/J' | parlerai |
finirai |
vendrai |
serai |
aurai |
irai |
ferai |
viendrai |
saurai |
pourrai |
verrai |
||
| Tu | parleras |
finiras |
vendras |
seras |
auras |
iras |
feras |
viendras |
sauras |
pourras |
verras |
||
| Il/Elle/On | parlera |
finira |
vendra |
sera |
aura |
ira |
fera |
viendra |
saura |
pourra |
verra |
||
| Nous | parlerons |
finirons |
vendrons |
serons |
aurons |
irons |
ferons |
viendrons |
saurons |
pourrons |
verrons |
||
| Vous | parlerez |
finirez |
vendrez |
serez |
aurez |
irez |
ferez |
viendrez |
saurez |
pourrez |
verrez |
||
| Ils/Elles | parleront |
finiront |
vendront |
seront |
auront |
iront |
feront |
viendront |
sauront |
pourront |
verront |
When To Use It
Si clauses (Présent + Futur Simple) specifically when a plausible and realistic condition in the present or immediate future is expected to lead to a certain or highly probable consequence in the future. This structure is foundational for articulating logical dependencies and plans in everyday conversation and formal contexts alike.- To Express Conditional Plans: This is perhaps the most frequent application, where your future actions depend on a specific, achievable condition.
Si le temps est beau demain, nous ferons un pique-nique.(If the weather is nice tomorrow, we will have a picnic.)S'il n'y a pas trop de monde, j'irai au musée cet après-midi.(If there aren't too many people, I'll go to the museum this afternoon.)- To Make Promises or Commitments: You use this structure to pledge a future action, contingent on someone else's action or a specific event.
Si tu m'aides, je te remercierai avec un bon dîner.(If you help me, I will thank you with a good dinner.)Je t'attendrai si tu es en retard.(I will wait for you if you are late.)- To Issue Warnings or Threats: This allows you to communicate potential negative repercussions if a condition is not met.
Si tu ne finis pas tes devoirs, tu ne regarderas pas la télévision.(If you don't finish your homework, you won't watch television.)Le moteur s'arrêtera si tu n'ajoutes pas d'huile.(The engine will stop if you don't add oil.)- To Make Predictions: Base your forecasts of future events on current trends, observations, or reasonable assumptions.
S'il neige beaucoup cet hiver, la saison de ski sera excellente.(If it snows a lot this winter, the ski season will be excellent.)Si l'économie continue de croître, de nouveaux emplois seront créés.(If the economy continues to grow, new jobs will be created.)
Common Mistakes
Si clauses with the present and future tenses. These errors often arise from directly translating English structures or misapplying other French conditional rules. Recognizing these pitfalls is crucial for advancing your accuracy.- The "Double Future" Fallacy: This is the most prevalent error. In English, you might informally hear "If I will have time..." or more commonly, "If I have time, I will go." The critical mistake in French is placing the
futur simpleorfutur prochedirectly afterSi. French grammar strictly prohibits this. TheSiclause must use theprésent de l'indicatif. - Incorrect:
Si j'aurai le temps, je viendrai. - Correct:
Si j'ai le temps, je viendrai.(If I have the time, I will come.)
Si is never followed by the futur simple or futur proche in this type of conditional clause. The Si acts as a gatekeeper, demanding the present tense to express the condition.- Incorrect
SiElision: Whilesi ilcorrectly contracts tos'ilandsi ilstos'ils, learners often mistakenly extend this elision toelle,elles, or other vowel-starting words. - Incorrect:
S'elle vient, nous serons contents. - Correct:
Si elle vient, nous serons contents.(If she comes, we will be happy.)
il and ils due to the desire to avoid the difficult pronunciation of si-il. It is a phonological rule, not a general grammatical one for all vowels.- Forgetting Irregular Future Stems: Although the
futur simpleendings are regular, many common verbs possess irregular stems. Overlooking these irregularities leads to incorrect conjugations. - Incorrect (example with a hypothetical regular stem for
aller):S'il va, tu allerai aussi.(Should beiras) - Correct:
S'il vient, tu iras aussi.(If he comes, you will go too.) (Note:vientis present,irasis correct future irregular foraller) - Common Error: Using a regular stem for
faire:Si j'ai un problème, je faireai de mon mieux. - Correct:
Si j'ai un problème, je ferai de mon mieux.(If I have a problem, I will do my best.)
être (ser-), avoir (aur-), aller (ir-), faire (fer-), venir (viendr-), savoir (saur-), pouvoir (pourr-), and voir (verr-) is essential.- Confusing
SiwithQuand(When): While both introduce subordinate clauses,Siimplies a condition that may or may not happen, whereasQuandimplies certainty that the event will happen at some future time. Using them interchangeably distorts meaning. - Incorrect:
Quand il pleut, je resterai à la maison.(Implies rain is a certainty, rather than a possibility, given the present tense inpleut.) - Correct (
Sifor possibility):S'il pleut, je resterai à la maison.(If it rains, I will stay home.) - Correct (
Quandfor certainty):Quand il pleuvra, je resterai à la maison.(When it rains, I will stay home.)
Contrast With Similar Patterns
Si clauses (Présent + Futur Simple) is greatly enhanced by contrasting them with other grammatically similar yet semantically distinct structures. Misinterpreting these nuances is a common source of confusion for intermediate learners.Si+ Présent, Présent (General Truths/Habitual Actions):- Structure:
Si+ Subject + Verb (Présent), Subject + Verb (Présent) - Meaning: Expresses universal truths, scientific facts, or habitual actions where the result is immediate or always true when the condition is met. There is no future implication; the relationship is constant.
- Example:
Si on chauffe l'eau à 100°C, elle bout.(If one heats water to 100°C, it boils.) - Contrast: Unlike the Présent + Futur structure, which projects a future consequence of a present condition, this pattern describes an ever-present consequence. It doesn't speculate about future events but states an established reality. You cannot use the
futur simplein the main clause here, as it would imply a single future event rather than a general truth. Si+ Présent, Impératif (Commands/Advice):- Structure:
Si+ Subject + Verb (Présent), Verb (Impératif) - Meaning: Used to give an order, advice, or instruction contingent on a present condition. The main clause is a direct command.
- Example:
Si tu es fatigué, va te coucher !(If you are tired, go to bed!) - Contrast: Here, the main clause is a direct command, not a prediction of a future event. The emphasis is on immediate action rather than a future outcome. While both structures use
Si+ Présent, the nature of the main clause fundamentally alters the sentence's function. Quand+ Futur Simple, Futur Simple (Certainty of Event):- Structure:
Quand+ Subject + Verb (Futur Simple), Subject + Verb (Futur Simple) - Meaning: Indicates that an event will certainly happen at a future point, and when it does, another future action will follow. The
futur simpleis used in both clauses because the occurrence of the condition is assured. - Example:
Quand il pleuvra, nous resterons à la maison.(When it rains, we will stay home.) – The speaker expects rain to occur. - Contrast: The critical distinction from
Si+ Présent, Futur Simple is certainty versus possibility.Siintroduces a condition that might happen, whileQuandintroduces a condition that will happen. UsingQuandfor a potential event is grammatically incorrect and alters the meaning significantly. Si+ Imparfait, Conditionnel Présent (Hypothetical/Unreal Conditions):- Structure:
Si+ Subject + Verb (Imparfait), Subject + Verb (Conditionnel Présent) - Meaning: Expresses hypothetical or unreal conditions in the present, often conveying wishes, suggestions, or less likely scenarios. This is the Second Conditional in English.
- Example:
Si j'avais le temps, j'irais au cinéma.(If I had the time (but I don't), I would go to the cinema.) - Contrast: This structure delves into the realm of the imaginary or improbable.
Si+ Présent, Futur Simple, in contrast, deals with conditions that are very real and highly probable. Confusing these two conditional types leads to expressing a plausible future event as an improbable hypothesis, or vice-versa.
Si or a temporal conjunction, serves a distinct communicative purpose. Precision in selecting the correct structure is paramount for conveying the intended meaning in French.Real Conversations
French Si clauses (Présent + Futur Simple) are not confined to formal texts; they are integral to everyday spoken and written communication, from casual exchanges to professional contexts. Their utility in expressing practical conditions makes them ubiquitous in modern French, particularly in informal settings like text messages, social media, and direct speech.
- In Casual Chat and Texting: This structure forms the backbone of making plans, suggesting activities, or setting minor conditions among friends. The use of futur proche (aller + infinitive) in the result clause is common in spoken and informal written French, offering a more immediate-future feel than the futur simple.
- Planning: Si tu es libre ce soir, on ira au resto. (If you're free tonight, we'll go to the restaurant.)
- Confirming: D'accord, je te rappellerai si j'ai un problème. (Okay, I'll call you back if I have a problem.)
- Social Media Caption: Si ce post dépasse 100 likes, je ferai une vidéo de danse. (If this post gets over 100 likes, I'll make a dance video.)
- In Professional or Academic Contexts: While the language might be more formal, the underlying structure remains the same for outlining conditions and consequences in proposals, reports, or discussions.
- Project Management: Si le budget est approuvé, nous commencerons la phase suivante en mars. (If the budget is approved, we will begin the next phase in March.)
- Email Correspondence: Si vous avez des questions, n'hésitez pas à me contacter. (If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact me.)
- Presentations: Si nous mettons en œuvre ces recommandations, notre efficacité augmentera de 15%. (If we implement these recommendations, our efficiency will increase by 15%.)
Cultural Insight
If you go, I go), the French insistence on the futur simple in the result clause for probable future events underscores a clear projection into the future. This linguistic preference reinforces a systematic approach to cause and effect, where an action in the present explicitly triggers a distinct future event. Native speakers seamlessly integrate these clauses, often contracting s'il without conscious thought, demonstrating its deep entrenchment in the language's natural flow. Its frequency across diverse communication forms highlights its functional importance rather than mere grammatical correctness.Progressive Practice
Mastering Si clauses (Présent + Futur Simple) requires systematic practice that moves from recognition to active production. This progressive approach solidifies understanding and builds confidence in application.
- Phase 1: Recognition and Deconstruction (B1 Preparation)
- Identify the Clauses: Read sentences and clearly identify the Si clause and the main (result) clause. Circle the verb in each clause and state its tense.
- Si tu étudies (Présent), tu réussiras (Futur Simple).
- Translate and Compare: Translate simple French Si clauses into English and vice-versa. Pay attention to how English might use a present tense for a future meaning after "if," and ensure you use the futur simple in French.
- Exercise: Given "If he comes, I will leave," write S'il vient, je partirai.
- Error Spotting: Analyze sentences containing common mistakes (e.g., "double future") and correct them. This sharpens your awareness of grammatical boundaries.
- Exercise: Correct *Si j'aurai faim, je mangerai. to Si j'ai faim, je mangerai.
- Phase 2: Structured Production (B1 Focus)
- Controlled Sentence Building: Provide prompts that require constructing Si clauses based on given conditions and results. Start with regular verbs, then integrate irregulars.
- Prompt: (Condition: You work hard; Result: You succeed) -> Si tu travailles bien, tu réussiras.
- Irregular Verb Integration: Progress to prompts that necessitate the use of common irregular future stems (être, avoir, aller, faire, venir).
- Prompt: (Condition: We have time; Result: We will go) -> Si nous avons le temps, nous irons.
- Clause Inversion: Practice constructing sentences with the main clause first, then the Si clause, ensuring correct comma usage (or lack thereof).
- Prompt: (I will call you / If I have news) -> Je t'appellerai si j'ai des nouvelles.
- Contextual Sentence Creation: Given a scenario (e.g., planning a weekend, a problem at work), generate several Si clauses relevant to that situation. Emphasize real-world applicability.
- Phase 3: Free Production and Self-Correction (B1+ Expansion)
- Dialogue Creation: Write short dialogues where characters use Si clauses to make plans, promises, or warnings. Focus on natural flow.
- Journaling/Writing Prompts: Use Si clauses in personal writing. For instance, "If tomorrow is sunny, I will...", "If I learn this grammar, I will be able to...".
- Active Listening and Imitation: Listen to native speakers (podcasts, films, conversations) and actively identify Si clauses. Try to mimic their usage in your own speaking. Pay attention to the subtle differences between futur simple and futur proche in casual speech.
- Peer Review/Feedback: Exchange written work with a peer or a tutor to receive feedback on the accuracy and naturalness of your Si clause usage. Pay close attention to s'il contraction and the absence of the futur simple after Si.
Quick FAQ
- Can I use
futur procheinstead offutur simplein the main clause? - Yes, in informal spoken French and casual writing,
futur proche(aller+ infinitive) is often used interchangeably withfutur simplein the main clause. It conveys a sense of immediacy. For example,Si j'ai faim, je vais manger(I'm going to eat) is very common instead ofje mangerai. - What's the difference between
SiandLorsque? Lorsque(when) is a more formal synonym forQuand. BothQuandandLorsqueintroduce an event that is considered certain to happen at some future time, requiring thefutur simplein their clause.Si, conversely, introduces a condition that may or may not happen, always followed by theprésent de l'indicatif.- Is there always a comma between the two clauses?
- Only if the
Siclause comes first (Si + condition, + consequence). If the main clause precedes theSiclause, a comma is generally not used (consequence + si + condition). - Can I use
Sifor questions? - Yes, but this is a different grammatical construction (
Sifor indirect questions, meaning "whether"). For instance,Je me demande s'il viendra(I wonder if he will come). This use ofSidoes not follow the conditional pattern discussed here and can be followed by thefutur simple.
Structure of the First Conditional
| Part | Tense | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Si Clause
|
Present
|
Si tu viens
|
|
Main Clause
|
Future
|
tu verras
|
|
Si Clause (Negative)
|
Present
|
Si tu ne viens pas
|
|
Main Clause (Negative)
|
Future
|
tu ne verras pas
|
|
Reversed
|
Future
|
Tu verras
|
|
Reversed
|
Present
|
si tu viens
|
Meanings
This structure expresses a real or possible condition in the future. It links a requirement to a likely consequence.
Real Condition
A condition that is realistically possible to fulfill.
“Si tu étudies, tu réussiras.”
“S'il pleut, nous resterons à la maison.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Si + Present, Future
|
Si j'ai le temps, je viendrai.
|
|
Negative
|
Si + Neg Present, Neg Future
|
Si je n'ai pas le temps, je ne viendrai pas.
|
|
Question
|
Future + ? + Si + Present
|
Viendras-tu si j'ai le temps ?
|
|
Reversed
|
Future + Si + Present
|
Je viendrai si j'ai le temps.
|
|
Elision
|
S' + il/ils + Present
|
S'il vient, je serai content.
|
|
Formal
|
Si + Present, Future
|
Si vous souhaitez, nous procéderons.
|
Formality Spectrum
Si vous venez, nous mangerons. (Dinner invitation)
Si vous venez, on mangera. (Dinner invitation)
Si tu viens, on mange. (Dinner invitation)
Si tu rappliques, on bouffe. (Dinner invitation)
The First Conditional Logic
Condition
- Si If
Tense
- Présent Present
Result
- Futur Future
Tense Rules
Decision Flow
Is it a real possibility?
Examples by Level
Si j'ai faim, je mangerai.
If I am hungry, I will eat.
Si tu veux, on ira au cinéma.
If you want, we will go to the cinema.
S'il fait beau, nous sortirons.
If the weather is nice, we will go out.
Si elle a le temps, elle viendra.
If she has time, she will come.
Si tu ne travailles pas, tu ne réussiras pas.
If you don't work, you won't succeed.
Nous achèterons la voiture si nous avons l'argent.
We will buy the car if we have the money.
Si vous êtes prêts, nous partirons.
If you are ready, we will leave.
S'ils arrivent en retard, nous commencerons sans eux.
If they arrive late, we will start without them.
Si tu finis ton projet, tu auras une promotion.
If you finish your project, you will get a promotion.
S'il ne pleut pas, nous ferons un pique-nique.
If it doesn't rain, we will have a picnic.
Si vous avez des questions, je vous répondrai plus tard.
If you have questions, I will answer you later.
Je t'aiderai si tu me promets d'être sage.
I will help you if you promise to be good.
Si les conditions météorologiques se dégradent, le vol sera annulé.
If weather conditions worsen, the flight will be cancelled.
Si vous signez ce contrat, nous vous enverrons les documents.
If you sign this contract, we will send you the documents.
Si elle ne change pas d'avis, nous devrons annuler la réservation.
If she doesn't change her mind, we will have to cancel the reservation.
S'il reste du gâteau, je t'en donnerai un morceau.
If there is any cake left, I will give you a piece.
Si l'on considère les faits, la conclusion sera évidente.
If one considers the facts, the conclusion will be obvious.
Si cette tendance se maintient, les prix augmenteront considérablement.
If this trend continues, prices will increase significantly.
S'il s'avère que vous avez raison, nous modifierons notre stratégie.
If it turns out you are right, we will modify our strategy.
Si vous ne prenez pas de mesures immédiates, la situation s'aggravera.
If you don't take immediate measures, the situation will worsen.
Si, par malheur, le projet échoue, nous en assumerons l'entière responsabilité.
If, unfortunately, the project fails, we will assume full responsibility.
S'il devait y avoir un changement, nous vous en informerons sans délai.
If there were to be a change, we will inform you without delay.
Si vous persistez dans cette voie, vous n'obtiendrez aucun résultat probant.
If you persist in this path, you will obtain no conclusive result.
Si l'on en croit les experts, le marché se stabilisera d'ici la fin de l'année.
If we are to believe the experts, the market will stabilize by the end of the year.
Easily Confused
Learners mix up real conditions with hypothetical ones.
Learners use future in the 'si' clause.
Learners use 'si' to mean 'yes'.
Common Mistakes
Si j'irai...
Si je vais...
Si il...
S'il...
Si je suis fatigué, je dormirais.
Si je suis fatigué, je dormirai.
Si j'ai le temps, j'ai mangé.
Si j'ai le temps, je mangerai.
Si tu viendras, on mangera.
Si tu viens, on mangera.
S'ils viennent, nous mangerons.
S'ils viennent, nous mangerons.
Si je peux, je l'ai fait.
Si je peux, je le ferai.
Si j'aurais le temps, je viendrai.
Si j'ai le temps, je viendrai.
Si il pleut, on annulera.
S'il pleut, on annulera.
Si tu finiras, dis-moi.
Si tu finis, dis-moi.
Si l'on aura fini, nous partirons.
Si l'on a fini, nous partirons.
Si vous auriez su, vous auriez agi.
Si vous saviez, vous auriez agi.
Si il s'avère...
S'il s'avère...
Si nous aurons le temps...
Si nous avons le temps...
Sentence Patterns
Si tu ___, je ___.
___ si tu ___.
Si ___ ne ___, nous ___.
Si ___, ___.
Real World Usage
Si tu es libre, on se voit ?
Si vous m'embauchez, je serai très motivé.
Si le train est en retard, nous prendrons un bus.
Si la commande arrive froide, je demanderai un remboursement.
Si vous aimez cette vidéo, abonnez-vous !
Si cette hypothèse est vraie, les résultats seront différents.
The 'Si' Rule
Elision
Reversibility
Register
Smart Tips
Always check: is the verb after 'si' in the present?
Remember to elide: S'il.
If the condition is real, use the future.
Place the 'si' clause at the beginning of the sentence.
Pronunciation
Elision
The 'i' in 'si' is dropped before 'il' or 'ils'.
Rising-Falling
Si tu viens, (rise) on mangera (fall).
Standard declarative statement.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Si is a present-loving guy, but the result is always looking to the future.
Visual Association
Imagine a 'Si' signpost pointing to a 'Present' clock, while a 'Future' arrow points to the result.
Rhyme
Si takes the present, don't you fear, the future result will soon appear.
Story
Marie wants to go to the beach. She says: 'Si le soleil brille (present), j'irai à la plage (future).' She checks the weather. It is sunny. She goes.
Word Web
Challenge
Write 5 sentences about your weekend plans using 'Si' + present + future.
Cultural Notes
French speakers are very precise about the 'si' + present rule. Using the future after 'si' is considered a major grammatical error.
In Quebec, you might hear the conditional used more loosely in casual speech, but the standard rule remains the same.
The standard French rule is taught in schools and used in all formal writing.
Derived from Latin 'si', which functioned identically to express conditions.
Conversation Starters
Que feras-tu si tu gagnes au loto ?
Si tu as le temps ce week-end, que feras-tu ?
Si le temps est mauvais demain, que ferons-nous ?
Si tu changes de travail, que feras-tu ?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
Si tu (venir) ____, nous mangerons.
Which sentence is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
Si il pleuvra, nous resterons à la maison.
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
Si vous (avoir) ____ le temps, vous finirez.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Use: Si, manger, futur.
S'il ____, nous partirons.
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercisesSi tu (venir) ____, nous mangerons.
Which sentence is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
Si il pleuvra, nous resterons à la maison.
viendrai / si / je / tu / m'invites
Si vous (avoir) ____ le temps, vous finirez.
Si tu travailles...
Use: Si, manger, futur.
S'il ____, nous partirons.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
10 exercisesIf you work hard, you will succeed.
t'aiderai / j'ai / le / Si / temps / je
Match the parts:
Si vous êtes en retard, le professeur ___ (être) fâché.
Which one sounds natural today?
Si il vient, je serai là.
If it rains, we will stay at home.
Si on va au resto, j'___ (avoir) faim !
Si vous signez ici, nous ___ le projet demain.
Match:
Score: /10
FAQ (8)
No, never in this structure. The 'si' clause must be in the present tense.
No, you can say 'Si tu viens, je serai content' or 'Je serai content si tu viens'.
Then you use the Second Conditional (Si + Imparfait + Conditionnel).
Usually, yes. But it can also mean 'yes' when contradicting a negative question.
This is called elision. The 'i' is dropped before 'il' or 'ils'.
Yes! 'Si tu as faim, mange !' is perfectly correct.
Yes, it is very common in formal reports and business correspondence.
Just add 'ne...pas' to the verbs: 'Si tu ne viens pas, je ne serai pas content.'
Scaffolded Practice
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In Other Languages
Si + presente + futuro
None, the logic is identical.
If + present + will
French never allows the future tense after 'si'.
Wenn + present + future
German word order changes in the main clause.
~ba / ~tara
Japanese does not use tense in the same way to mark conditions.
Idha + present + present/future
Arabic does not have the same strict tense sequence as French.
Ruguo + present + future
Chinese verbs do not conjugate.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
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